I’ve seen Ukraine’s scars. As a Canadian veteran, military spending will decide my vote

As a Ukrainian Canadian veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces living in Edmonton, my recent trip back to Ukraine was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion. What was once a familiar and cherished place now bore the scars of war, with abandoned vehicle checkpoints and rubble-strewn streets serving as grim reminders of the conflict.

Returning to Ukraine as a professor, teaching strategic marketing to IT professionals, allowed me to see firsthand the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of unimaginable hardship. Stories of air raids, evacuations, and mobilizations highlighted the profound loss and suffering that the war had inflicted on the country.

As I navigate through this election campaign, I am closely observing our political leaders to understand their stance on defence and their commitment to supporting Ukraine. Canada has long been a supporter of Ukraine, but our military’s capacity to aid is limited due to decades of underfunding. It is essential that we prioritize defense spending and strengthen our military capabilities to fulfill our commitments to our allies and protect our own sovereignty.

Visiting Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv where Russian forces committed atrocities against innocent civilians, reinforced the importance of defending democracy and standing up against tyranny. Witnessing the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, despite the profound loss they have endured, inspired me to advocate for increased support for Ukraine’s defense.

In the upcoming federal election, I believe it is crucial for Canada to boost defense spending to at least two percent of GDP, ideally three percent, and support Ukraine through military aid, economic assistance, and collaboration with allies. Our values as a nation are reflected in our actions, and it is imperative that our leaders demonstrate unwavering commitment to defending freedom and democracy.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s words resonate with me — wherever the blue and yellow flag flies, it symbolizes a people who refuse to give up. As Canadians, it is essential that we uphold our values and stand behind them with conviction and action. Our support for Ukraine is not only a reflection of our commitment to democracy but also a recognition that their fight is our fight.

Ultimately, the values we hold dear as Canadians should guide our decisions at the ballot box. It is imperative that we elect leaders who are prepared to defend those values with the necessary resources and dedication. By standing in solidarity with Ukraine and prioritizing defense spending, we can uphold the principles of freedom and democracy that define us as a nation.